Medusa
Medusa |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Kanji: | メデューサ |
| Romaji | Medyūsa |
| Statistics | |
| Race: | Gorgon |
| Gender: | Female |
| Eye Color: | Purple |
| Portrayed by: | |
| Japanese: | Miyu Kubota |
| English: | No English Voice Actor |
Medusa (メデューサ, Medyūsa), is a key character in Hand Shakers and serves as Jashin-chan’s best friend. As a gorgon demon, Medusa is uniquely tasked with keeping her true appearance hidden to prevent her powerful gaze from turning others to stone. To conceal her identity, Medusa is often seen wearing a paper bag over her head, adding both an element of humor and mystery to her character. Despite her terrifying nature and the limitations she faces, Medusa is the only person who truly loves and cares about Jashin-chan, offering her support and friendship.
Medusa’s character stands out for her kindness and unwavering loyalty to Jashin-chan, making her a significant, though somewhat understated, figure in the series. Her relationship with Jashin-chan contrasts with the chaos and conflict surrounding them, providing a more tender and caring dynamic in an otherwise tumultuous world.
Background
Appearance in Anime
Medusa is a gorgon demon, a powerful and ancient being with the ability to turn others to stone with her gaze. Due to this dangerous power, she is forced to wear a paper bag on her head at all times to prevent accidents and protect those around her. Despite her seemingly fearsome nature, Medusa’s true character is that of a kind and loving individual, particularly toward Jashin-chan.
Medusa’s background is tied to her role as a demon, and she is often caught between the desire to be accepted for who she truly is and the need to conceal her powers for the safety of others. Unlike many other demons, Medusa does not revel in the fear and power that come with her abilities. Instead, she seeks companionship and emotional connection, especially with Jashin-chan, who is the only one who seems to truly accept and care for her.
Appearance
Medusa’s most striking feature is her status as a gorgon demon, with a unique and terrifying ability to turn others into stone with her gaze. To prevent this from happening, Medusa wears a paper bag over her head, hiding her true appearance. This paper bag has become a humorous part of her character, adding a sense of mystery and charm to her persona.
Despite the concealment of her face, Medusa’s body language and movements suggest that she is a graceful and elegant being. The bag over her head does not diminish her overall presence; rather, it serves as a symbol of the burden she bears as a gorgon demon. Her attire typically consists of simple clothing, and her posture is one of both reserve and strength.
Personality
Medusa is a gentle, kind-hearted, and loyal individual who is deeply devoted to her best friend, Jashin-chan. Unlike many of the other characters in the series, Medusa does not seek power or fame; instead, she values companionship and emotional connection. Her love and care for Jashin-chan are unconditional, and she often serves as a source of support and comfort for her friend.
Medusa’s kindness is often juxtaposed with her dangerous nature as a gorgon demon. She is constantly aware of the destructive potential of her abilities, which is why she takes extra precautions to keep others safe. Despite this, she is not resentful of her situation and strives to live peacefully. Her personality is a mix of selflessness, humor, and tenderness, especially when it comes to her relationship with Jashin-chan.
Although she may appear somewhat timid or cautious because of her appearance and the need to hide her identity, Medusa is a strong and compassionate character who is always there for her friends.
Role in the Story
Jashin’s Emotional Anchor: Medusa plays the role of Jashin’s only true friend and is often seen taking care of her, both emotionally and financially. She provides Jashin with money, moral support, and even medical attention after Jashin gets hurt in her countless failed schemes.
The Tragic Gorgon: While Medusa rarely expresses sadness directly, her backstory as a cursed gorgon adds layers of quiet tragedy to her character. The constant need to wear a paper bag and avoid eye contact highlights her loneliness and restraint, making her relationship with Jashin all the more touching.
A Source of Compassion: Medusa frequently serves as the emotional counterbalance to the series’ slapstick violence. She acts as a symbol of empathy and patience, contrasting with the other characters’ aggressive antics.
Relationships
Jashin-chan: Medusa’s best friend and the center of her world. Though Jashin often takes advantage of Medusa’s kindness, there are moments where Jashin shows genuine care in return. Medusa continues to stand by Jashin, offering her love and trust even when Jashin doesn’t deserve it.
Pekola: Though they don’t interact deeply, Medusa occasionally shows concern for Pekola, the fallen angel. Her naturally compassionate nature extends even to characters outside her main circle.